Shifting Your Alignment with Social Media
There is no denying that smartphones have revolutionized our lives in the past decade thanks to key innovations that have changed the way we connect with one another and access information. There are abundant apps such as Instagram, Facebook, and dating applications to name a few, that cater to social connection and instant gratification.
The positive effects of social media include increased access to social support. This is particularly relevant in the health and wellness community with the creation of support groups on social platforms, forums via online communities, and dedicated apps enabling people to feel less alone by providing access to others, worldwide, who understand their specific experiences. Experiences such as chronic illness, new motherhood, fitness communities, LGBTQ, Black Lives Matter and mental health disorders that previously may have felt isolating are now communal and supportive.
Social media has allowed for access to information that traditionally has not been easy to obtain and practitioners can reach a far larger audience than they previously could. While there are many positive outcomes of the growth of social media we must not be blind to the ill effects of the internet (see: burnout, self-esteem issues, negative feedback, and the spread of misinformation). However, since technology will continue to exist in our everyday lives, the solution isn’t to stop using the tools, but instead to learn how to maximize the benefits while minimizing the possible risks.
5 Ways To Shift Into Alignment with Social Media
Take a social media break. Instead of giving more energy to the “hate” part of your love/hate relationship with social media, withdraw and switch your attention to something else. Whether the break is one hour or one month – only you know what works for you.
Clean up your feed by unfollowing and muting accounts that don’t serve you. What you consume impacts you on a subconscious level – be intentional with what you allow in.
Set up your social media feed to be a place to connect and get inspired by creating “Collections” with saved posts. My collections include House, Photography, Food, Fitness, Places to visit and Style.
Connect to your intention – why is being present on social media important for you? Social media is a powerful manifestation tool. Its energy is neutral – it’s all about the intentions we set and how we use it.
When you feel stuck, go back to what brings you joy and share that. Instead of waiting until you feel ready and perfect and finding new excuses to not show up, share what brings you joy.